The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on February 26, 2026, issued a notification regarding fake STT notices.
It has cautioned the public about fraudsters circulating fake notices demanding payment of Securities Transaction Tax (STT) by misusing SEBI’s letterhead, logo, and seal. These scammers falsely claim that outstanding STT amounts must be paid under the Finance Act, 2004, even though STT is automatically collected by brokers on stock exchange transactions and SEBI does not issue such payment notices or coordinate with the Reserve Bank of India for this purpose. Fraudsters are also impersonating SEBI officials through fake emails and communications, leading investors to transfer money to fraudulent accounts. SEBI has advised investors to verify enforcement actions, payment procedures, official contact details, email domains (@sebi.gov.in), and office addresses only through its official website, and to remain vigilant against suspicious communications.
[PR No. 15/2026]
